What Would You Do?

[RiverDave]

I feel stupid telling this story, because I never should have let it happen from a work standpoint, and I sure as hell shouldn't have been generous enough to try and help someone.

In 2006, I had an employee, a project manager, whose 21 year old son was diagnosed with aggressive colon cancer. I gave him paid for time off when needed for his son's doctor visits, then surgery. That was over a five month period. When it became clear the disease was fatal and the kid had just a couple of months to live, I told him to stay home, and I would cover his salary. I also told him I would handle his projects myself, and I wouldn't be calling him unless it was completely necessary. I showed up at their house the next day with a power recliner for his son, because he was too weak to get up by himself. Thirteen weeks later he died.

This PM was not a star. I had hired him about sixteen months before the son became ill. He couldn't reliably adhere to a schedule, and he was weak dealing with subcontractors. He was making $105K, and I wasn't getting my money's worth. When I took over his work, I found out how inept he really was. His projects were behind schedule and over budget, which he had been concealing from me and the accounting people. The schedule is critical in data center construction. My company was the only one in DFW that had the skills, subcontractors, and supplier relationships to build out 30,000 to 50,000 SF in sixteen weeks, and this dumbass was killing that reputation with the two projects he was responsible for. A month after his kid died, he announced he had a better job and quit. This guy was also a supposed devout Christian, went to church three times a week, etc., etc.

Two months later, I found out by talking to one of my subs he tried to poach, that this shitbag was telling his new employer and my subs I was a shitty boss, didn't know what I was doing, and treated him like shit. He had also contacted some of my clients and tried to steal them from me.

This was the guy for whom I shelled out around $35K in wages and another $20K in 941 taxes and benefits while his son was dying. He was able to spend the last three months of the kid's life at home every day. His wife didn't work.

I called him, told him he was a despicable piece of shit, and if I ever ran into him on the street, there was going to be a terrible fucking accident. I couldn't believe someone could be that duplicitous and evil, and me, being the empathetic softie, had been fucked over by this professed Christian and deacon of his church. I thought about calling his employer and discussing the subject. I had too much integrity to do it, plus my motives would obviously have been questioned and the story spread around town.

I'm getting hugely pissed off writing this. This asshole was taking advantage of me while I was trying to do good in the face of tragedy, and then had the balls to smear me and try to steal my clients and subs. I hope karma smashed his ass during the 2008 recession and COVID. He deserves it.

Wow!

 

[svlperry]

Any update on this

 

[ltbaney1]

And it's bullshit!

yes it is. my rule is if I order standing up, no tip for you! I was at del taco the other day, had to order using one of those stupid kiosk's, it actually had a spot to give a tip.

 

[JFMFG]

Well for those wondering how it played out here it is. He was a no show today. Had my office manager do a call to make sure he was alright. She asked him to come in he said he won’t be returning after what his son did. “He must have found out”. Told her he is to embarrassed to come look at us in the face. Not how I saw it playing out but it works out. He resigned don’t need to worry about any law suits etc. Such a bummer his kid cost him his job. He was with us almost 4 years.

 

[C_J_J_C]

Unless he made you so much money he was worth the drama this is the best possible outcome.

 

[Singleton]

Well for those wondering how it played out here it is. He was a no show today. Had my office manager do a call to make sure he was alright. She asked him to come in he said he won’t be returning after what his son did. “He must have found out”. Told her he is to embarrassed to come look at us in the face. Not how I saw it playing out but it works out. He resigned don’t need to worry about any law suits etc. Such a bummer his kid cost him his job. He was with us almost 4 years.

Wow - did not see that coming.

 

[Sherpa]

by far the best possible outcome..................

 

[buck35]

Kind of bummer for all involved, but a problem solved it seems.

 

[NicPaus]

Now at the next family function you can ask when he plans to pay you back the $400.

Although it's doubtful you ever see the money.

 

[Joe mama]

If anything I hope his kid feels like a real ASS HOLE.

 

[shintoooo]

Serious question, did he or any of your employees know about RDP? Wondering if there are any possibilities of him reading this thread?

 

[JFMFG]

Serious question, did he or any of your employees know about RDP? Wondering if there are any possibilities of him reading this thread?

I keep my personal life very private from employees. No one that works for me know about any toys etc I have. They don’t even know I own a boat so I highly doubt he would ever find this thread.

 

[4Waters]

Well for those wondering how it played out here it is. He was a no show today. Had my office manager do a call to make sure he was alright. She asked him to come in he said he won’t be returning after what his son did. “He must have found out”. Told her he is to embarrassed to come look at us in the face. Not how I saw it playing out but it works out. He resigned don’t need to worry about any law suits etc. Such a bummer his kid cost him his job. He was with us almost 4 years.

Wow, that was not expected. Just curious as to what your decision was going to be had he come in?

 

[JFMFG]

I had thought and ran every scenario in my head of how it could go. I wasn’t prepared for it to be him resigning. And ya I don’t think I’ll ever see the money he owes me.

 

[JFMFG]

Wow, that was not expected. Just curious as to what your decision was going to be had he come in?

He was going to be terminated.

 

[4Waters]

He was going to be terminated.

I was pretty sure that's how it was going to play out, I know it wasn't an easy decision for you, glad he ultimately made that decision for you.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Heck, everyone was going for the lynching, and the guy offed himself. No legal fuckery needed, no added stress. Pretty good ending...
I'd still keep an eye open for the kid, and keep the voice-mail on a file somewhere.

 

[JFMFG]

Heck, everyone was going for the lynching, and the guy offed himself. No legal fuckery needed, no added stress. Pretty good ending...
I'd still keep an eye open for the kid, and keep the voice-mail on a file somewhere.

Ya I’m not to worried about the kid. Maybe I’m dumb but I feel people who make threats don’t follow through it’s the ones who act with no warning are the ones I worry about . Sorry to disappoint everyone with the ending. I expected it to be spicier also

 

[LakeMead Boater]

by far the best possible outcome..................

10000%

 

[4Waters]

Ya I’m not to worried about the kid. Maybe I’m dumb but I feel people who make threats don’t follow through it’s the ones who act with no warning are the ones I worry about . Sorry to disappoint everyone with the ending. I expected it to be spicier also

I'm actually glad it went this way, less stress on both parties. Hope the kid learned a lesson.

 

[RiverDave]

He was going to be terminated.

Yes but how.. were ya gonna play the vm? Talk to him? Just straight shit can..

We all wanna know whose advice you were gonna take on this. lol

Some of us have been on the edge of our seat for days..

RD

 

[ChumpChange]

Plot twist. Best possible outcome.

 

[JFMFG]

Yes but how.. were ya gonna play the vm? Talk to him? Just straight shit can..

We all wanna know whose advice you were gonna take on this. lol

RD

I was planning to play the voicemail. And ask him what all of this is about. Planned to ask if I was that shitty to work for etc. was planning to throw out the threat and ask him why I shouldn’t call the cops and file a police report about the threat etc. it’s better it turned out this way I think. Now I’m not the asshole of that side of the family for having to fire him.

 

[Todd Mohr]

You gotta love it when a probl;em takes care of its self!

 

[rmarion]

Well for those wondering how it played out here it is. He was a no show today. Had my office manager do a call to make sure he was alright. She asked him to come in he said he won’t be returning after what his son did. “He must have found out”. Told her he is to embarrassed to come look at us in the face. Not how I saw it playing out but it works out. He resigned don’t need to worry about any law suits etc. Such a bummer his kid cost him his job. He was with us almost 4 years.

IMO


they knew about RDP... employee (aka family member) saw the thread..

his balls were not BIG enough to face the consequences.


Happy New Year

 

[HCP3]

IMO


they knew about RDP... employee (aka family member) saw the thread..

his balls were not BIG enough to face the consequences.


Happy New Year

Are you sure the government didn't tell him?

 

[Deckin Around]

Score!!! Great result
I wish I could hear the convo between the dad and son, at what point the dad found out and how that unfolded.

 

[rmarion]

I had thought and ran every scenario in my head of how it could go. I wasn’t prepared for it to be him resigning. And ya I don’t think I’ll ever see the money he owes me.

Cancer treatment

Best $400 EVER SPENT

IMO

 

[RiverDave]

I was planning to play the voicemail. And ask him what all of this is about. Planned to ask if I was that shitty to work for etc. was planning to throw out the threat and ask him why I shouldn’t call the cops and file a police report about the threat etc. it’s better it turned out this way I think. Now I’m not the asshole of that side of the family for having to fire him.

So I was just at lunch with my son and I ran the scenario across the waiter just to see what his response was..

I told him about the voicemail that said “pull up” and he said “let him..” lol. I said well that isn’t the point what do you do if your the boss on Monday?

He said “we are in the car looking for the kid.” . What do you do about the dad? “Nothing.. He didn’t make that call”.

Different solutions for everyone I guess.. lol

For what it’s worth he wasn’t joking.. I would wager if I said it was at me he woulda walked out right then and got in the truck.

RD

 

[rmarion]

JF

how old was his kid?

Just wondering.

Happy New Year

 

[JFMFG]

JF

how old was his kid?

Just wondering.

Happy New Year

I’m gonna say in the late 20s range. Same to you!

 

[JFMFG]

So I was just at lunch with my son and I ran the scenario across the waiter just to see what his response was..

I told him about the voicemail that said “pull up” and he said “let him..” lol. I said well that isn’t the point what do you do if your the boss on Monday?

He said “we are in the car looking for the kid.” . What do you do about the dad? “Nothing.. He didn’t make that call”.

Different solutions for everyone I guess.. lol

For what it’s worth he wasn’t joking.. I would wager if I said it was at me he woulda walked out right then and got in the truck.

RD

Hahaha that’s funny. Yes everyone has a different approach. It worked out so I guess that’s all there is to it.

 

[rmarion]

Business

Learning experience for EVERYONE.

PS,

All we have is our INTEGRITY!!!

No integrity = Cancer.

 

[DMF]

So I was just at lunch with my son and I ran the scenario across the waiter just to see what his response was..

I told him about the voicemail that said “pull up” and he said “let him..” lol. I said well that isn’t the point what do you do if your the boss on Monday?

He said “we are in the car looking for the kid.” . What do you do about the dad? “Nothing.. He didn’t make that call”.

Different solutions for everyone I guess.. lol

For what it’s worth he wasn’t joking.. I would wager if I said it was at me he woulda walked out right then and got in the truck.

RD

Which restaurant?

 

[monkeyswrench]

Ya I’m not to worried about the kid. Maybe I’m dumb but I feel people who make threats don’t follow through it’s the ones who act with no warning are the ones I worry about . Sorry to disappoint everyone with the ending. I expected it to be spicier also

In my older age, I'm quite happy when things go down without drama. Even for others. There's enough chaos for entertainment on the average day. As for the VM, I don't think I'd worry too much about physical harm to my person. What I'd worry about is harm done to equipment. I don't know what business you are in. In the past several years I've had to do some DEF system work on company trucks shortly after guys were given walking papers. No cameras on site, but the timing of sabotage was incredibly convenient.

 

[rivermobster]

Cancer treatment

Best $400 EVER SPENT

IMO

For once, I actually agree with you!!!

Can you believe it???

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

Well for those wondering how it played out here it is. He was a no show today. Had my office manager do a call to make sure he was alright. She asked him to come in he said he won’t be returning after what his son did. “He must have found out”. Told her he is to embarrassed to come look at us in the face. Not how I saw it playing out but it works out. He resigned don’t need to worry about any law suits etc. Such a bummer his kid cost him his job. He was with us almost 4 years.

Wow! I kind of feel bad for the guy. These stories always make me reflect on the way I am raising my son. Kids get so much bad information from TV, social media, other kids, etc. and in this case cost this guy his job. I would have felt embarrassed if my son did that, but he would have got his ass kicked really badly.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Wow! I kind of feel bad for the guy. These stories always make me reflect on the way I am raising my son. Kids get so much bad information from TV, social media, other kids, etc. and in this case cost this guy his job. I would have felt embarrassed if my son did that, but he would have got his ass kicked really badly.

I think if you do good in the earlier years, you wouldn't have to worry about needing to throttle your kids in their 20's for acting like that.

 

[oldboatsrule]

You still get to have some fun... Denying unemployment due to job abandonment!!

 

[RiverDave]

Which restaurant?

It's a pretty small town to be doing that.. LOL

RD

 

[RiverDave]

Wow! I kind of feel bad for the guy. These stories always make me reflect on the way I am raising my son. Kids get so much bad information from TV, social media, other kids, etc. and in this case cost this guy his job. I would have felt embarrassed if my son did that, but he would have got his ass kicked really badly.

Yeah honestly after reading the result I kinda felt bad for the guy as well..

RD

 

[Tamalewagon]

After the cliff-hanger on Christmas Eve day, you could have at least made up something tasty.

 

[Angler]

Hahaha that’s funny. Yes everyone has a different approach. It worked out so I guess that’s all there is to it.

I would immediately send him a certified payment demand letter for the loan.

 

[poncho]

I keep my personal life very private from employees. No one that works for me know about any toys etc I have. They don’t even know I own a boat so I highly doubt he would ever find this thread.

Good friend of mine years ago was loaded and drove a 5 year old S-10 Blazer to his office everyday, stopped by one day and said where's the NSX, Porsche etc. and he replied keep your voice down.

 

[GRADS]

So I was just at lunch with my son and I ran the scenario across the waiter just to see what his response was..

I told him about the voicemail that said “pull up” and he said “let him..” lol. I said well that isn’t the point what do you do if your the boss on Monday?

He said “we are in the car looking for the kid.” . What do you do about the dad? “Nothing.. He didn’t make that call”.

Different solutions for everyone I guess.. lol

For what it’s worth he wasn’t joking.. I would wager if I said it was at me he woulda walked out right then and got in the truck.

RD

The waiter was probably like "really?" "I'm going to pull up on this guy if he doesn't stop talking and let me wait on the other tables".

 

[4Waters]

Wow! I kind of feel bad for the guy. These stories always make me reflect on the way I am raising my son. Kids get so much bad information from TV, social media, other kids, etc. and in this case cost this guy his job. I would have felt embarrassed if my son did that, but he would have got his ass kicked really badly.

Yeah honestly after reading the result I kinda felt bad for the guy as well..

RD

I felt bad for him right from the get go. I think the end game would have been different if his kid were still in HS as we all know teenagers aren't know for smart decisions.

 

[CLdrinker]

So how much does the open position pay and what skills are required?

 

[Wizard29]

So how much does the open position pay and what skills are required?

I'm guessing not much and not much, respectively.

 

[4Waters]

 

[JFMFG]

So how much does the open position pay and what skills are required?

He made just about $30.00 per hour. Finish carpentry skills pretty much. He worked in my production department.